Pete, if it's any good, send me some details, and if I like it I'll buy it off you (purchase the rights, as it were). Then I'll maintain it for as long as you like, for a fee. Got to scrape a living some how, you know! In fact, I'll extend that offer to any “home-grown” equipment maintenance management system out there. Can't be fairer than that, eh?
Robert, one of the main points about “home brew” is that you (ie, the manager) should always retain the source code. Fundamental, I'm afraid Old Chap. You're right, however, about commercial packages. The ones I've seen are all very nice, some more “user friendly” than others. But, to be frank, most departments do not fully utilize all the features (parts stock control, especially, seems not to be bothered with). What's the point in buying a load of features that you don't plan to use? Why not simply add them yourself as you grow?
One thing is for certain - future developments will be web-based. The biomed workshop of the 21st century will have its database systems linked to the world. All the information available on the internet will be accessible, whether on demand, or seamlessly integrated into the system at your finger-tips.
Also, we should be looking at ways of simplifying present systems by using more efficient techniques, and considering all available technology such as PDA's, the internet and the ever-elusive "paperless office".
